Hookah Electric Charcoal Burner

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for igniting solid fuels, supported by a grate, is presently disclosed. The apparatus further comprises an infrared radiant heating system which utilizes a plurality of emitters, wherein said emitters further comprise a plurality of quartz infrared heater lamps. The emitters draw power from a power source serving the radiant heating system. In addition, the apparatus may include a knob set timer control for presetting a time interval of operation of the apparatus is mounted on the base of the apparatus. Further, the base is a foundation for the housing where the ignition chamber is located. The housing also provides ventilation radiating holes to increase air flow to the ignition chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/169,062, filed on Jun. 1, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to charcoal fueled appliances, and more particularly, to an apparatus for igniting combustible material for hookahs, water pipes, and similar delivery apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hookah water pipes have long been used in smoking using combusted materials such as tobacco. As traditionally practiced, a hookah provides a water receptacle having an inlet conduit and at least one and often several outlet conduits. Smoke enters the water receptacle through the inlet conduit and is distributed to individual smokers through the outlet conduits, which are typically connected to hoses. Smoke is generated in a bowl in which a combustible substance or material, such as tobacco is placed. A heat source is placed over the tobacco. In traditional practice, ignited charcoal (hereinafter “coals”) may be used as the heat source.

Ablating the tobacco with intense heat, from the coals, generates smoke, which is drawn into the water receptacle through a supply conduit. The supply conduit is arranged to terminate below the level of the water within the water receptacle to assure filtration of raw smoke obtained from the bowl. The act of breathing air from the head space of the water receptacle induces partial vacuum in the head space, which in turn draws in smoke from the bowl through the supply conduit.

This arrangement requires that a fuel such as coals be provided and suitably ignited. This heat source must be maintained during smoking so that the combustible material is suitably roasted. Ordinarily, the coals are often ignited using a liquid accelerant, a coil/gas stove top, a coil burner, a lighter, a grill, or a torch, for example. However, these conventional methods for igniting coals, as described above, utilize contact methods of heating coals, which are extremely inefficient and dangerous. Contact methods of heating coals suffocate the coals thereby choking off oxygen to the side where the coals make contact with the heat source. As such, the coals take considerably longer to fully ignite when compared to alternative heating methods.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable, robust, and efficient apparatus which addresses the various aspects of igniting coals for hookahs, water pipes, and the like in a safe and expeditious manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above stated need by setting forth an apparatus which is particularly adapted to ignite coals and other combustible materials through the use of an electric radiant heating system utilizing infrared wavelengths generated by emitters powered by quartz infrared heater lamps or tubes (hereinafter the terms “lamps” and “tubes” are to be used interchangeably). The apparatus is fully self-contained in that a separate supply of accelerant and auxiliary items such as matches are not necessary. The combustible material can be charcoal, for example, charcoal for use in a hookah. In other circumstances, the combustible material can be tobacco for use in a hookah. The infrared radiation can be produced and directed in a controlled manner, making the ignition of the combustible material safer, quicker, more efficient and more reliable. The infrared radiation source can include a housing structured to direct the infrared radiation to the combustible material.

Further, the present invention allows the coals to be suspended openly above the emitters allowing the coal to breathe with a free flow of oxygen and absorb the intense heat energy of the emitters more efficiently. In addition, the apparatus disclosed may utilize an electric power source which may be controlled such that the wattage consumed is variable. Optionally, a thermostatic control may be provided to control wattage and heat output. In another embodiment, a manual variable switch may be used to control wattage and heat output. And, in another option a knob set timer control may be provided for presetting a time interval of operation of the apparatus.

In an alternate embodiment, an ignition apparatus includes a housing including an infrared radiation source associated with the housing, a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing, and an infrared radiation deflector, working in cooperation with a fan, configured to direct the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region. In addition, the combustible material ignition region can be fixed to the housing or detachable from the housing. The infrared radiation source associated with the housing can be partially contained in the housing, completely contained within the housing, or on a surface of the housing.

In yet another embodiment, a method for igniting a combustible material can include exposing the combustible material to infrared radiation, the infrared radiation source associated with a housing, and the combustible material being in a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing, the infrared radiation being directed from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region by an infrared radiation deflector. The infrared radiation source associated with the housing can be partially contained in the housing, completely contained within the housing, or on a surface of the housing.

In another aspect, an ignition apparatus can include an infrared radiation including an electrical resistance filament in a bulb or tube with infrared transmittable glass shielding and a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source.

In certain circumstances, the infrared radiation deflector can be opposite the combustible material region relative to the infrared radiation source. In some circumstances, the infrared radiation deflector can be integral with the infrared radiation source. In some circumstances, the infrared radiation deflector can be curved or bent at least in part around the infrared radiation source with a concave portion facing the combustible material ignition region. The infrared radiation deflector can be configured to concentrate the radiation in a portion of the combustible material ignition region.

In certain circumstances, the infrared radiation source can include a single infrared emitter. In other circumstances, the infrared radiation source can include a plurality of infrared emitters. Each infrared emitter can be releasably attached to a socket within the housing.

In some embodiments, the combustible material ignition region can be on an outer surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the combustible material ignition region can be within the housing.

In certain circumstances, the combustible material ignition region can include a basket or container for containing the combustible material. The basket or container can be removable from the housing. The basket or container can have one or more openings or perforations to allow transmittance of radiation and to permit airflow.

It is an object of the invention to provide self-contained apparatus for igniting coals utilizing infrared wavelengths or heat energy generated by quartz infrared heater lamps.

Another object of the invention is to ignite coals, including natural and compressed varieties, in an expeditious and safe manner.

It is further an object of the invention to provide more oxygen to the coals during the igniting process.

Another object of the invention is to utilize electrical power at inherently safe voltages.

A further object of the invention is to control the amount of heat which is produced by an infrared radiation source.

Still another object of the invention is to regulate air flow through the ignition chamber.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described, which is inexpensive, dependable, durable, robust, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for igniting coals according to at least one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another expanded view of an apparatus for igniting coals according to at least one aspect of the invention; and,

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of another embodiment of an apparatus for igniting coals, according to at least one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, according to at least one aspect of the invention, the invention is directed to an apparatus 100 for igniting combustible material, for example, coals (not shown). The coals may first be ignited by a radiant heating system (or infrared radiation source) utilizing infrared wavelengths generated by emitters, which further utilize quartz lamps (shown below). The apparatus 100 may comprise a housing 102 which is generally divided into an ignition chamber 104 and a base 112. As employed herein, the term “housing” will be understood to encompass both an enclosed space for performing a specified function and also surrounding structure such as walls, floor, etc., as may be necessary to define and maintain structural integrity of the enclosed space.

Ignition is performed by placing the combustible material in a stainless steel grate 106 above a plurality of replaceable infrared emitters (shown below) which encase a plurality of quartz infrared heater lamps (not separately shown) powered by an electrical power source. Additionally, the infrared radiation source is a source of infrared radiation free of a flame or other direct conduction type heating element, such as, for example, a heating coil. The infrared radiation source can be an electrical resistance filament implemented with infrared transmittable glass shielding. The apparatus 100 further includes a knob set timer control 108, a plurality of ventilation radiating holes 110, an electrical power source (not separately shown), a base 112, and a handle support member 114. In the present embodiment the handle support member 114 is removably attached to the housing 102, however, in an alternate embodiment the handle may be removably attached to the grate 106 as well. In an exemplary embodiment, the power source utilizes indoor distribution voltages of 110v or 220v by an adapter.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the grate 202, which may contain, for example, coals (not shown), is placed above the ignition chamber 204 which contains a plurality of emitters 206, which generate substantial heat by generating infrared wavelengths with the use of quartz infrared heater lamps (not shown). It should be noted that the ignition chamber 204 may utilize various radiant heating systems—also known as infrared radiation sources. In addition, the emitters 206 may be one or more infrared lamps, such as a filament in a bulb(s). The infrared radiation source in the ignition chamber 204 is selected to provide adequate infrared energy to ignite a combustible material located in the grate 202, such as combustible organic material, including charcoal or tobacco subjected to the radiation. The emitters 206 can be a tube shaped bulb with at least one electrical contact. The filament can be a fiber of tungsten, carbon, iron, nickel, chromium or aluminum, or alloy thereof. The filament can be protected by a glass plate or sheath, such as a quartz tube. The emitters 206 can be sealed and, optionally, gas filled. The emitters 206 can be a halogen type bulb or a plurality thereof. The protective material of the emitters 206 can be tinted or partially reflective to reduce the amount of visible light transmitted to the combustible material ignition region, which can make it safer for a user to view. This can advantageously reduce the brightness of the apparatus 100 when in operation. The emitters 206 can include a halogen gas. The emitters 206 may emit radiation in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 1 mm.

Moreover, the emitters 206 can be shaped in any form suitable for the apparatus' geometry. For example, the emitters 206 can be in the form of, but not limited to, a long cylinder, U shape, round shape (coil or perimeter), helical or flat. The apparatus 100 can include 1 to 8 or more emitters 206. In some embodiments, the emitters 206 can include a socket suitable for attachment and removal from the apparatus. The emitters 206 may be placed on any single or multiple axis/dimension(s) in relation to the target combustible material. The emitters 206 can be configured or distanced from target combustible material to control the operating temperature or lifetime of source. In certain embodiments, the infrared radiation source is maintained at a temperature below 1100° C.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the grate 202 is adapted to fit snugly in the ignition chamber 204. In turn, the ignition chamber is constructed to fit snugly within the housing 208, which has a plurality ventilation radiating holes 210 allowing for admitting combustion air to the ignition chamber 204. Furthermore, there exists a base 212 upon which a knob set timer control 214 is mounted for presetting a time interval of operation of the apparatus. The housing 208 is fixed in a vertical position above the base 212. In a preferred embodiment, the base 212 contains a compartment (not shown) for housing a power source (shown later) to provide power to the plurality of emitters 206 by a controller (not shown).

It should be noted at this point that orientational terms such as above refer to the subject drawing as viewed by an observer. The drawing figures depict their subject matter in orientations of normal use, which could obviously change should the apparatus 100 be held in a different position. Therefore, orientational terms must be understood to provide semantic basis for purposes of description, and do not limit the invention or its component parts in any particular way.

The grate 202 may comprise a perforated surface on which the solid fuel is placed, The grate 116 is thus manually removable from the housing 204, for example to facilitate cleaning. In addition, the handle support member 216 may be removably attached. Moreover, the ignition chamber 204 may be upwardly open.

Combustion air for the ignition chamber 204 may be obtained through the ventilation radiating holes 210, which are small, perhaps on the order of one eighth of an inch in diameter, and are sized to enable air flow into the ignition chamber 204 at a rate approximating that of actual consumption of oxygen.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is further disclosed. The apparatus 300 comprises a housing 314, which may comprise legs 312, 313 which project downwardly from the housing 314 and are disposed to space the housing 314 above a horizontal environmental surface (not shown) when the apparatus 300 is in use. It should be appreciated that the apparatus may contain 4 legs, however, only 312, 313 are shown. Moreover, the legs 312, 314 which may be typical of the remaining legs may be adjustable in length by incorporating alignable holes which receive pins. The pin may be inserted into any selected one of the holes to fix the legs 312, 313 at a desired length (not shown). Length of the legs 312, 313 may be accomplished by a screw mechanism, by friction, by internal releasable detents, or in any other suitable way as an alternative to holes and pins (not shown).

The housing 314 may comprise a compartment 316 supported within the housing 314, for holding a fan 308 which may utilize a deflector 306 to increase air production to the plurality of emitters 304 that utilize quartz infrared heater lamps (not shown) to ignite the contents of the grate 302 which may further have a removably attached handle support member 318. The housing 314 may further comprise a second compartment 320 which may be arranged to house a power source 310 in conjunction with a controller to generate power for the plurality of emitters 304.

Moreover, the housing 314 may include handles and insulated regions to protect the user. The housing 314 can be constructed of die cast aluminum alloy, sheet metal, stainless steel, ceramic, ceramic coated steel, extruded aluminum, phenolic resin, polycarbonate, ABS, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon or combinations thereof The housing can include insulation to reduce heat transfer with the user interface. Insulating can be done with a variety of materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastics, thermoset resins, ceramics, ceramic composites, wood, sheet metal, weaved fiber batting insulation or any combination of materials thereof. The insulating materials can be configured in single or multiple walls or layers which may optionally include ventilated air gaps or non-ventilated air gaps.

It is to be appreciated that the deflector can include mirror, metal or other reflective material such as a metallized polymer film or ceramic coating. The deflector can include ceramic, steel, aluminum, gold, silver, or other film on a metal, glass or polymer substrate. The deflector can be a sculpted, flat, or sprayed-on reflector plate arranged to direct infrared radiation to the combustible material ignition region. The plurality may include a plurality of deflectors. The deflector may be removable for replacement.

In an example embodiment, certain designs of the apparatus 300 can include a fan 308, which may serve the function of ventilating the housing 300 and/or provide air or oxygen flow to the combustible material, which can speed the ignition rate. The apparatus 300 may include one or more heat shields on the outer interface to prevent direct user contact with very hot surfaces of the ignition chamber. The apparatus can include an on/off switch, timing circuit, rheostat, temperature control (automatic or manually controlled), multiple voltage level settings or multiple time settings to provide variable ignition conditions for different combustible materials. The circuit containing these controls may contain an audible alarm. The apparatus can be power by AC or DC current. The apparatus can include a power control which may be built in the apparatus, in line with the power cord or by remote control. The apparatus can include an automatic shut off controlled by temperature sensor and/or user controlled time switches.

The apparatus can include an ash tray at the base of the housing 314. The ash tray can be removable. At least a portion of the ash tray can include a portion of the reflector 306.

The combustible material ignition region can include a grate 302 containing the combustible material. The grate 302 can be a removable basket/container can have a handle or a removable handle and contains the combustible material in relation to radiation source so as to maximize energy transfer and ignition efficiency. The apparatus 300 can include multiple containers or baskets. The basket can be shaped, formed, or designed for consistently shaped combustible materials (e.g., briquette type of any shape) or may be a container for any shape including irregular. The container or basket can be configured for easy removal from apparatus.

Ignition of charcoal and/or tobacco by the methods and apparatuss described here can be particularly advantageous in the context of hookah pipes. Hookah water pipes, also known as shisha water pipes because of the tobacco typically used, and restaurants providing hookahs are well known worldwide. A hookah is a water pipe having a tobacco reservoir/bowl, such as for shisha or other soaked tobacco, in fluid communication with a tobacco smoke feed tube that depends into a liquid, partially filling a smoke chamber with one or more hoses releasably attached to the water pipe in fluid communication with the smoke chamber for drawing air and resulting smoke from the tobacco through one or more hoses. Perforated foil is typically placed over the tobacco product and bowl for holding independently heated charcoal used to reduce harshness and accelerate ignition of the tobacco. Notwithstanding, starting the hookah so it ignites and remains ignited can be very difficult and time consuming. The difficulty arises because shisha comprises tobacco(s) that are flavored with moist additives, such as molasses, making it difficult to properly and efficiently ignite the tobacco and start the hookah. It is important to have an efficient way to ignite the tobacco and/or charcoal in an efficient and clean manner.

The present invention is susceptible to modifications and variations which may be introduced thereto without departing from the novel principles.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the disclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangements which are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible 

I claim:
 1. Apparatus for igniting solid fuels, comprising: a radiant heating system comprising a plurality of emitters, wherein said emitters further comprise a plurality of quartz infrared heater lamps; a power source serving the radiant heating system; a knob set timer control for presetting a time interval of operation of the apparatus; a grate for supporting the solid fuel above the plurality of emitters; a housing defining an ignition chamber for igniting the solid fuel; a plurality of ventilation radiating holes; a handle support member; and, a base.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ignition chamber is supported by the base.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grate is manually removable from the housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the knob set timer control for presetting a time interval of operation of the apparatus is located on the base.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises the handle support member for lifting and maneuvering the housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source serving the radiant heating system is mounted within a compartment of the housing, wherein the power source is further adapted to provide power to the plurality of emitters through a controller.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a switch mounted to the base to activate the power source, wherein the switch provides an input to the controller to activate the apparatus before the knob set timer control can be activated.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ventilation radiating holes are formed in the upper portion of the housing for admitting combustion air to the ignition chamber.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises legs which project from the housing and are disposed to space the housing above a horizontal environmental surface when the apparatus is in use.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the legs are adjustable in length.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a fan acting in cooperation with a deflector, wherein said fan is further operative to increase combustion air to the ignition chamber, and wherein said deflector is disposed to regulate volume of air flow to the ignition chamber.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a storage drawer supported on the housing, for holding solid fuel supply.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source includes an adjustable DC power adapter.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power source includes batteries.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of quartz infrared heater lamps includes short wave emitter quartz lamps.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of quartz infrared heater lamps includes long wave emitter quartz lamps. 